Erma C. Mellinger

Senior Lecturer, Voice

Mezzo-soprano Erma Gattie Mellinger has been a principal artist with many opera companies across the United States including the Cleveland Opera, the Florida Grand Opera (Miami), the Dallas Opera, the Pittsburgh Opera Theater, the Fresno International Grand Opera, and the Chautauqua Opera. Her roles, in over thirty operas, include Donna Elvira in DON GIOVANNI, Dorabella in COSÌ FAN TUTTE, Cherubino in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, Ottavia in L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA, and Preziosilla in LA FORZA DEL DESTINO. She has performed with Sherrill Milnes, James Morris, Diana Soviero and David Daniels and has sung Master Classes with Frederica Von Stade and Mignon Dunn.

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Hailed for her, "rich, vibrant, creamy voice," Ms. Mellinger is also at home on the concert stage appearing as soloist with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monterey Symphony and the Florida Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Mellinger appeared as soloist with the Handel Society of Dartmouth College in its recent tours of England, France, Germany and Italy, performing in venues including Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Ms. Mellinger has been a member of the Dartmouth College faculty since 1996. In addition to her duties as voice instructor, she serves as the Vocal Coach of the Handel Society, coaches chamber music classes and presents solo recitals on campus. Ms. Mellinger has directed church choirs and has served as both Stage Director and Music Director for numerous community theater productions. She is a sought after clinician in the field of vocal production. Currently, Ms. Mellinger is the director of Cantabile, a women's chorus that performs extensively throughout the Upper Valley.

Ms. Mellinger earned he Bachelor of Music Degree with Highest Distinction from Northwestern University. She received the Performer's and the Opera Certificates and an Excellence in Teaching Award while at the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester where she earned he Master of Music Degree and began her Doctor of Music Arts Degree before embarking on her singing career.

“Dartmouth’s capacity to advance its dual mission of education and research dependsupon the full diversity and inclusivity of this community. We must increase diversity,particularly among our faculty and staff. As we do so, we must also create a communityin which every individual, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, nationality, political or religious views, orposition within the institution, is respected. On this close-knit and intimate campus, wemust ensure that every person knows that he, she, or they is a valued member of ourcommunity.

Diversity and inclusivity are necessary partners. Without inclusivity, the benefits ofdiversity—an increase in understanding, improvement in performance, enhanced innovation, and heightened levels of satisfaction—will not be realized.” - PresidentPhilip Hanlon ’77 - Excerpt from May 2016 Letter to the Dartmouth community